The words Bar Mitzvah translate as son (bar) of the commandment (mitzvah).

At the age of thirteen, a Jewish boy automatically becomes a bar mitzvah, when he is considered to be an adult with the rights and obligations of fulfilling the mitzvot (commandments) as prescribed in the Torah.

Although there is not a religious requirement for the formality of a ceremony to confer these rights and obligations this custom has greatly evolved over the years and for many there will be a bar mitzvah religious event at the synagogue followed by a bar mitzvah celebratory reception/party where the enjoyment of the occasion can be shared with family and friends. These bar mitzvah celebrations are oftentimes quite lavish, comparable to the wedding receptions of some.

One distinguishing mitzvah the bar mitzvah begins to observe is putting on tefillin, he may also lead part of the prayer service and will often give a much anticipated speech after the bar mitzvah service or at some point during the following festivities.

It is not necessarily a requirement that a Jewish gift is given to the bar mitzvah boy. When selecting a gift, consideration may be given to anything appropriate for any boy celebrating his thirteenth birthday and a selection of beautifully handcrafted bar mitzvah greeting cards may be purchased from frisky frog's website, the majority of which can be personalised with the addition of the name of the bar mitzvah on the front.

Appropriate greetings for the occasion include Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah or Congratulations On Your Bar Mitzvah.

One would normally present the bar mitzvah card and/or gift at the bar mitzvah party rather than at the synagogue.